The goals of the Association des Amis d'Uxellodunum au Puy d'Issolud (Friends of Uxellodunum at Puy d'Issolud) are:
  • To support the archeological investigations at Puy d'Issolud.
  • To promote the site in terms of of culture, tourism and leisure.
  • Maintenance of the site.
  • Conservation, protection and defence of the local heritage.

The association in 2019 - 2020

President : Roger Mialet
Vice president : Alain Reinat
Treasurer : Monique Couret
Deputy treasurer : Francine Bonati
Secretary : Monique Bizot
Deputy secretary : Julien Vergne

How the Association came into being...


2001 : Report of the  activities of the Commission Fontaine de Loulié

Creation of the association

Following the declaration by the Minister of Culture in April 2001 that Puy d'Issolud is indeed the site of Uxellodunum, the renowned site of the last battle by the Gauls for independance from the Romans, the Commission de la Fontaine de Loulié was formed with the objective of bringing together all parties interested in the future care and development of the site. The Commission was made up of a group of enthusiasts drawn from a team called Essor Dionysien from St-Denis-lès-Martel and was fully involved right from the start in the restoration of the site and the support of the archeological explorations.

However it was soon felt that the role of the group was somewhat restrictive and not accessible to all. So in discussion with local officials it was agreed to put the members of the commission at the heart of a new public Association, open to all interested in the care and development of this important heritage site.

The association Les Amis d'Uxellodunum (The Friends of Uxellodunum) was therefore created in order to unite the efforts of all interested parties, and its first Annual General Meeting was held at the end of 2001.

The association in 2001

President d’honneur : Jean-Pierre Girault, archeologist, head of excavations and archeological studies
President : Jean-Claude Lachièze
Vice-presidents : Sophie Vieillefosse, Patrick Lascaux, Charles Aussel
Treasurer : Monique Couret
Secretary : Roger Mialet
Deputy secretary : Denise Combret

Activities
  • Making contact with local companies - partners of the site - in particular SOLEV in Martel, which has granted substantial assistance. Also Le Vieux Chêne in Montvalent, owned by Jean Claude Lachièze who was involved in the development of the Commission,  the building company Cadiergues of Gramat and Crédit Agricole of Vayrac.
  • Participation with the head of the excavations and the elected officials in the organisation of an open day to bring together more than 1500 people on the site.
  • The sale at various events of Jean-Pierre Girault's publications, reproductions of arrows and catapult bolts, and T-shirts.
  • Organisation of scientific conferences.
  • Organisation of a cultural excursion on the occasion of the Gallo-Roman festival of Darel with, on the programme, the parade of a Roman legion, gladiatorial fights, chariot races ...
  • Participation in catering and supply of equipment during the excavations and during the work carried out on the site.

Projects
  • Participation, in partnership with a preservation association in Martel, on the development, rehabilitation and protection of the catchment basin of the Loulié spring.
  • Participation with the same association in the restoration of the wall of the wash house in order to maintain and protect it.
  • A project financing a slide show by a Toulouse Association retracing the history of Uxellodunum.

The various actions were carried out in agreement with Jean-Pierre Girault, in charge of the excavations, with the municipalities of
Saint-Denis-lès-Martel and Vayrac, with the owners of the neighbouring lands and with the official entity that was going to be created to be responsible for coordinating the protection, development and enhancement of the site.

Members of the Commission

Made up of five members of the Committee of Essor Dionysian, the Commission quickly expanded with nearly thirty members at the end of 2001, including archaeologists, company owners, renowned figures from the world of entertainment and of the scientific community, and business leaders.

Statutes of the Association - an extract


Article 1 - Constitution and name :

These statutes define the foundation of an Association called : "Les Amis d’Uxellodunum, Puy d’Issolud", regulated by the law of 1st July 1901 and the decree of 16 August 1901.

Article 2 - Objectives :

The objectives of the Association are :

  1. The support of the archeological investigations which are to take place at Puy d'Issolud.
  2. The promotion of the site in terms of culture, tourism and leisure.
  3. Contributing to the restoration of the site within the framework defined by the responsible authorities.
  4. To support the well-being and cleanliness of the site.
  5. Conservation, protection and defence of the local heritage.

Article 4 - General conditions :

The Association engages in carrying out actions in agreement with the head of archeological studies, the Direction Régionale de l’Archéologie, Monuments Historiques, Bâtiments de France and to work in partnership with the joint Syndicat, responsible for coordination of the protection, the restoration and promotion of the site.

Article 5 - Administrative office :

The administrative office is based at the Mairie of Saint-Denis-lès-Martel (Lot). It could be transferred elsewhere by demand of the Committee of Administration. In the case of a change of commune the decision must be ratified by an Extraordinary General Meeting.

Article 6 - Duration :

The duration of the Association is unlimited.

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